4* Eventing. What BD level is the dressage ?

Because I should be writing my dissertation and procrastinating I decided to go digging for the answer ;).

So, comparing the 4* test that I think they're using at Badders today (http://fei.org/system/files/4 Star Test B 2009-revised 2010 (update 2014).pdf) and this list of movements at dressage levels (http://horse-clips.co.uk/2014/01/dressage-test-movements-medium-to-psg-level/) I have no clear answer!

Most movements are up to Adv-Med, but some are PSG level (collected trot - extended with separate marks for transitions, flying change after counter canter round a corner), and some are only seen at Medium (rein back 5 steps). It averages out to be Advanced Medium though.
 
Because I should be writing my dissertation and procrastinating I decided to go digging for the answer ;).

So, comparing the 4* test that I think they're using at Badders today (http://fei.org/system/files/4 Star Test B 2009-revised 2010 (update 2014).pdf) and this list of movements at dressage levels (http://horse-clips.co.uk/2014/01/dressage-test-movements-medium-to-psg-level/) I have no clear answer!

Most movements are up to Adv-Med, but some are PSG level (collected trot - extended with separate marks for transitions, flying change after counter canter round a corner), and some are only seen at Medium (rein back 5 steps). It averages out to be Advanced Medium though.

Well I reckon that bit of research there is definitely worth a distinction !! :-)
 
Funny, I was thinking about this earlier as I was schooling my horse after watching yesterday (it was greatly inspiring but sadly it seems I have some work to do, to reach Michael Jung's standards).

Do we think it is the case that the eventing dressage test is designed to take into account the different job the horse does, and so display the skills he will need for jumping? So - I can see why a canter which can be collected and extended, or a rein back, and changes are of use and even some lateral work, but no need for - e.g - piaffe.

A judge once told me that they are taught to judge eventers differently based on the musculature they develop and the other jobs they have to do - they simply can't be expected to perform even a simple movement in quite the same way as (lets say) an AM horse.
 
They didn't seem to be judging differently today. The horses that could be ridden on for the higher marks were few as not many could risk their fit horses blowing up and were having to play safe. Great to watch with the commentary and chat today as I found that really interesting. Saw some very skilful riding as well !
 
I think there is a little more emphasis on obedience in eventing dressage. Watching am BD, there is a lot more positive (usually ;) ) tension. I know they say that they are judged the same, but in my experience as a spectator they are not.
 
Top